If you or someone you know are struggling with mental health, you might have heard of Intensive Outpatient Programs, or IOP. But what exactly is an IOP? In this blog post, we’ll explore what an IOP is, who it can help, and what to expect if you or a loved one decide to enroll in one.
What is an IOP?
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a type of treatment program that provides intensive mental health services on a less-than-daily basis. IOPs are generally for individuals who do not need 24-hour care, but who still require more support than can be provided through traditional outpatient therapy alone.
IOPs usually take place 3-5 days per week for 3-5 hours per day, and they typically last for 8-12 weeks. However, some programs may be shorter or longer depending on the needs of the individual. During an IOP, individuals receive individual therapy, group therapy, and may also participate in other activities such as psychoeducation classes, skill-building workshops, and medication management.
Who does it help?
IOPs can be helpful for individuals who are struggling with mental illness but who do not need 24-hour care in a hospital or residential setting. IOPs can also be a step down from inpatient treatment for those who have been discharged from a hospital after a suicide attempt or other crisis. Additionally, IOPs can help individuals who have been through traditional outpatient therapy but have not achieved the desired level of recovery and stability.
Pro Tip: Some health insurance plans only cover IOPs if they are deemed “medically necessary.” If you are considering enrolling in an IOP, check with your insurance provider to see if they will cover the cost of treatment.
What to expect
If you decide to enroll in an IOP, you can expect to participate in individual therapy sessions, group therapy sessions, and other activities designed to help you recover from mental illness and attain stability. You will likely meet with your therapist 1-2 times per week for individual sessions, and you will participate in group therapy sessions 3-5 times per week. The number of hours you spend in treatment each week will depend on the program you enroll in, but most programs meet for 3-5 hours per day, 3-5 days per week.
Pro Tip: When choosing an IOP program, make sure to ask about the length of the program as well as the number of hours spent in treatment each week. You want to make sure that the program you choose is the right fit for your needs.
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a type of treatment program that provides intensive mental health services on a less-than-daily basis. A Mental Health IOP is generally for individuals who do not need 24-hour care, but who still require more support than can be provided through traditional outpatient therapy alone. If you or someone you love are struggling with mental illness, an IOP might be right for you. Check with your insurance provider to see if they cover the cost of treatment and ask about the length of the program as well as the number of hours spent in treatment each week when considering different programs to make sure that you choose the right fit for your needs.